New Orleans French Quarter Audio Tour: Iconic Sites & Hidden Gems

2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English and 1 more

Discover the rich tapestry of New Orleans’ French Quarter at your own pace.

Wander through iconic sites like Jackson Square and the St. Louis Cathedral, while also uncovering hidden treasures such as Pirate’s Alley and serene Creole courtyards.

This tour offers an engaging blend of popular landmarks and lesser-known spots, enriched by vivid storytelling about the city's history and cultural icons.

The French Quarter is a sensory delight with its unique architecture, lively music scene, and culinary delights, perfect for any traveler looking to immerse themselves in the vibrant character of this historic neighborhood.

— Explore New Orleans’ oldest neighborhood filled with history and culture
— Visit major landmarks and discover hidden gems at your leisure
— Enjoy rich narratives about legendary figures and ghostly tales
— Perfect for travelers of all interests wanting to experience local life

What's Included

Flexible Usage (unlimited access)
Audio Guide
App and Tour Download
Smartphone (bring your own)

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
Jackson Square

Jackson Square sits between St. Louis Cathedral and the Mississippi River on 750 Decatur Street.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
  • 1
    Bourbon Street

    The Quarter’s most famous street is alive with neon lights, music pours from every doorway, and there’s a constant sense of celebration. It’s the best place to experience the energy of New Orleans’ nightlife up close.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • Café Du Monde Mail Order (Pass by)

    This legendary café has been serving beignets and café au lait since 1862. A stop here is a true New Orleans tradition.

    Admission ticket free
  • 2

    America’s oldest public market is a lively mix of food stalls, local crafts, and history. It’s where New Orleans’ trading spirit still thrives today.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Jackson Square

    Once the heart of colonial New Orleans, the historic Jackson Square is now lined with artists, street performers, and iconic landmarks. It’s the perfect spot to feel the pulse of the city.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar (Pass by)

    Set in an 18th-century Creole cottage, this candlelit bar claims ties to the pirate Jean Lafitte. The Blacksmith Shop Bar is one of the oldest surviving buildings in the Quarter.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    This small but fascinating museum offers a direct look into voodoo’s history and influence in New Orleans. Artifacts and altars connect folklore with living tradition.

    Admission ticket free
  • New Orleans Pharmacy Museum (Pass by)

    Housed in a former 19th-century apothecary, the Pharmacy Museum reveals the city’s medical past. Strange remedies and old tools make it one of the Quarter’s quirkiest stops.

    Admission ticket free
  • Old Ursuline Convent Museum (Pass by)

    Built in 1752, this is the oldest surviving building in the Mississippi Valley. Its simple elegance reflects the deep Catholic roots of the city.

    Admission ticket free
  • 4

    Pirate's Alley is a narrow passage lined with stories of duels, outlaws, and writers. It’s a hidden corner that feels straight out of another time.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • Pontalba Buildings (Pass by)

    These matching red-brick townhouses flank Jackson Square with elegant iron balconies. They’re the oldest apartment buildings still in use in the U.S.

    Admission ticket free
  • 5
    Royal Street

    Known for its art galleries, antiques, and street music, Royal Street is the Quarter at its most refined. It’s perfect for a quieter stroll away from Bourbon’s chaos.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 6
    St. Louis Cathedral

    The towering white spires of St. Louis Cathedral dominate Jackson Square. As the oldest continuously active Catholic cathedral in the U.S., it’s a New Orleans icon.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Once the seat of Spanish colonial government, this landmark now tells Louisiana’s history. It’s where the Louisiana Purchase transfer was signed in 1803.

    Admission ticket free
  • The Presbytere (Pass by)

    Built to mirror the Cabildo, the Presbytère now houses exhibits on Mardi Gras and Hurricane Katrina. It’s history and resilience under one roof.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    This museum and archive preserve the stories, art, and culture of the city. It’s a must for anyone wanting to dive deeper into New Orleans’ past.

    Admission ticket free
  • New Orleans Jazz Museum (Pass by)

    Located in the Old U.S. Mint, this museum celebrates the city’s greatest export: jazz. Instruments, recordings, and exhibits trace their roots and legends.

    Admission ticket free
  • 7

    This Royal Street gallery is filled with rare art, antiques, and jewelry. Even if you’re not shopping, browsing here feels like exploring a private museum.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 8
    Faulkner House Books

    William Faulkner once lived and wrote here—today it’s a cozy bookstore tucked into Pirate’s Alley. It’s a literary gem in the heart of the Quarter.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    The famed playwright lived and wrote here during his years in New Orleans. It’s a quiet reminder of the Quarter’s artistic legacy.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Known as the Haunted House of the French Quarter, the Gardette-LePretre Mansion is wrapped in legend and mystery. Its Greek Revival design adds to its imposing presence.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    These elegant 19th-century homes reflect the wealth and style of Creole New Orleans. They’re architectural treasures hidden in plain sight.

    Admission ticket free
  • 9

    This gleaming golden statue honors France’s beloved heroine and New Orleans’ namesake— Joan of Arc. It’s a striking landmark just steps from the French Market.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • Preservation Hall (Pass by)

    The Preservation Hall is an unassuming building that has kept traditional New Orleans jazz alive since 1961. Nightly shows here are a raw, unforgettable experience.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    This historic restaurant is famous for its jazz brunch in a lush courtyard. Dining in the Court of Two Sisters is as much about atmosphere as it is about food.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Works entirely offline once downloaded—no cell service required
  • GPS-triggered audio plays automatically based on your location
  • Flexible - Buy once, use any day/time—access never expires
  • Get the Drives & Detours app download the tour ahead of time
Supplied by Drives & Detours

Tags

Private Sightseeing Tours
Audio Guides
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Carnival
New Product
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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